Analysthttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/361/all
enTouch ID Likely to Come to Most New iOS Devices, Analyst Claimshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/touch_id_likely_come_most_new_ios_devices_analyst_claims
<!--paging_filter--><p>A few weeks ago we heard that <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/initial_batch_touch_id_sensors_reportedly_ready_2014_ios_devices" target="_self">Touch ID was likely headed to other Apple devices</a> in addition to the iPhone, and a new report from Asia backs up that claim. Notable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities claims (via <em><a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/280875/future-ios-devices-carry-new-improved-touch-id/" target="_blank">Cult of Mac</a></em>) that the feature will soon come standard in most new iOS devices, such as the iPhone 5, the second iPad Air, and the third-generation iPad mini.</p><p>In Kuo's words, "Apple’s Touch ID module should see shipments soar 233% in 2014. We believe every new iOS device launched this year will be equipped with Touch ID, including 4.7" and 5.5" new iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 2 with Retina display. Considering shipments of new products and iPhone 5s sales last longer than in 2013, we forecast unit sales of the fingerprint sensor module to grow 233% to 120mn for 2014."</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/05/touchid.png" /></p><p>Kuo also claims that new models with Touch ID will prove more reliable thanks to Apple's shift to using tin in the manufacturing process. But that doesn't mean the Cupertino giant is bringing a new manufacturer into the mix; apparently the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its subsidiary XinTec still hold the contract.</p><p>Rumors based on photos and similar evidence suggest that Kuo is correct. Last November some dubious images of an iPad mini with Touch ID appeared on <a href="http://www.nowhereelse.fr/ipad-mini-3-touch-id-90588/" target="_blank"><em>Nowhereelse.fr</em></a>, and new lines of code in iOS 7.1 seem to confirm Kuo's speculations as well.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/touch_id_likely_come_most_new_ios_devices_analyst_claims#commentsNewsAnalystiOS 7iPadiphoneRumorsspeculationTouch IDTue, 27 May 2014 23:38:56 +0000Leif Johnson20027 at http://www.maclife.comAnalyst: Apple Will Pass Nokia and Ship 86 Million iPhones This Yearhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_apple_will_pass_nokia_and_ship_86_million_iphones_year
<!--paging_filter--><p>DigiTimes Research analyst Luke Lin <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110906PR202.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">is forecasting</a> that Apple will sell 86.4 million iPhones by the end of this year, crushing former market leader Nokia. In 2010, Nokia sold over 100 million smartphones -- more than double Apple's 47.5 million sold -- to lead the market. This year, however, looks like a different story, with Apple expected to climb 82 percent and grab the top spot, and Nokia projected to drop to second place with 74.4 million units sold.</p><p>Samsung looks strong in third place, with the highest projected shipment growth among the big five companies in 2011; Lin expects Samsung to ship 67 million units, up 44 percent from last year.</p><p><img src="/files/u315479/digitimes_intext.jpg" alt="Apple to Pass Nokia Graph" width="620" height="378" /></p><p>Overall, according to Lin's report, the world's top five smartphone companies in 2011 are projected to ship over 333 million units, which will account for 72 percent of all units expected to ship this year. This is down from 85 percent last year, as some smaller companies, like China-based&nbsp;Huawei and ZTE, look to be having monster years as well. Huawei in particular is expected to increase shipments in 2011 by over 400 percent.</p><p><em>Via <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110906PR202.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">DigiTimes</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><span style="font-style: normal;"><em>Adrian covers daily news as well as the weekly&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.maclife.com/search/law%20%2526%20Apple" target="_blank">Law &amp; Apple</a></em><em>&nbsp;column for MacLife.com. You can follow him on&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/aphoppel" target="_blank">Twitter</a></em><em>, if you want to.</em></span></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_apple_will_pass_nokia_and_ship_86_million_iphones_year#commentsNewsAnalystHuaweinokiasales estimatesSamsungZTEiPhoneTue, 06 Sep 2011 19:16:23 +0000Adrian Hoppel12282 at http://www.maclife.comReport: Shhh: Android Users Have Secret Love Affair with iPadshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_shhh_android_users_have_secret_love_affair_ipads
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u315479/android_loves_ipad_200x150.jpg" alt="Android Loves iPad" class="graphic-right" />A new report from Mike Walkley, an analyst at <a href="http://www.canaccordgenuity.com/EN/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Canaccord Genuity</a>, seems to have caught Android users sneaking out the back door of iPad's house. Apparently, given the choice between an Android tablet or an iPad, Android smartphone users are crushing on the sexy iPad.</p><p>Although he did not back up his claims with any numbers, Walkley states: "Our smartphone and handset checks indicate iPads are selling better to Android smartphone users than the current Android tablets." He further claims, "With our checks indicating Android smartphone consumers are choosing the iPad versus Android tablets, we believe this is a powerful trend for Apple’s growing iOS base."</p><p>While, you can get an Android phone cheaper than an iPhone, and you can get a netbook cheaper than a MacBook, Apple users tend to stay on the farm regardless of what other vendors are releasing. Often citing ease of use and stable OS (as well as style, design, apps, etc.) as the reasons to stay with Cupertino. The iPad has been viewed as a "halo device," bringing new converts to Apple and additional Apple products.</p><p>Is the iPad so enticing that it will seduce Android users to other iOS and OS X devices? Maybe. Once you've gone Mac, you never go back.</p><p><em>Via </em><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20110708/tablet-of-choice-for-android-users-the-ipad/" target="_blank"><em>AllThingsD</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_shhh_android_users_have_secret_love_affair_ipads#commentsNewsAnalystandroidiOSiOS usersiPadFri, 08 Jul 2011 18:26:51 +0000Adrian Hoppel11618 at http://www.maclife.comAnalyst: "Mystique" of White iPhone 4 Could Add 1-1.5 Million Saleshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_mystique_white_iphone_4_could_add_115_million_sales
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220907/white-iphone-4-official-480.jpg" alt="whiteiphone" width="200" height="200" class="graphic-right" />While one has to wonder if it might be "too little, too late," for the white iPhone 4, apparently one analyst thinks the "mystique" factor of the iPhone could still result in a lot of sales for Apple.&nbsp; A lot of sales, as in 1-1.5 million!<br /><br />The delay of the device has effectively added "mystique and scarcity value" which should result in even higher unit sales of the phone for Apple, noted Ticonderoga analyst Brian White.<br /><br />"The purchase of consumer electronic devices is not always a completely rational decision, and people buy Apple products for many different reasons, including status, aesthetics, functionality, quality and the 'cool factor,'" said White in a research note that was originally obtained by The San Jose Mercury News.<br /><br />He adds, "In our view, this delay has created a certain mystique and scarcity value around the white iPhone 4 that we believe could drive incremental iPhone 4 purchases in the range of 1 million to 1.5 million units per quarter until the iPhone 5 potentially comes to market in September."<br /><br />Despite the potential increase in sales, shares in AAPL dropped lower today, ending at US$350.15, which was down $0.270 (-0.08%).<br /><br /><em>via <a href="http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/white_iphone_4_mystique_could_add_1-1.5_million_unit_sales/">the Mac Observer</a></em><br /><br /><em>Follow this article's author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mtilmann">Matthew Tilmann on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_mystique_white_iphone_4_could_add_115_million_sales#commentsNewsAnalystfinancial analystreleasesaleswhite iphonewhite iphone 4Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:49:30 +0000Matthew Tilmann10794 at http://www.maclife.comAnalyst Says Qualcomm-Powered iPhone 5 Mass Production in Septemberhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_says_qualcommpowered_iphone_5_mass_production_september
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_5_mockup_200px.png" alt="iPhone 5 mockup" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Once you get over the disappointment that we’re not likely to see a new iPhone this June, you’ll probably start looking to September and wondering what we might see from an iPhone 5. Thankfully, the analysts are too, and they’re sharing their thoughts with the rest of us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/18/mass_production_of_apples_a5__qualcomm_powered_iphone_5_rumored_for_sept_.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that the next iPhone will go into production in September, featuring only “slight modifications” from the existing model which include an eight megapixel rear camera and a new Qualcomm baseband, which could eventually unify the GSM and CDMA models into one swanky world phone.<br /><br />At least that’s the view of Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who issued a note to investors on Monday morning with some details of what Apple is up to with the next iPhone. According to supply chain sources, the iPhone 5 (as we all assume it will be called) will not feature some radical new design, but rather “slight modifications” from the existing iPhone 4 -- likely a spec bump in the same manner as the iPhone 3G to iPhone 3GS. (The image above is a mockup of a possible iPhone 5 that's been circulating in recent weeks.)<br /><br />That spec bump is likely to include Apple’s fast new A5 processor which debuted in the iPad 2, as well as a higher resolution rear camera, which gets a bump to eight megapixels. Reportedly, Qualcomm will provide the baseband for the next iPhone, which will feature “an improved antenna design,” although the report notes separate GSM and CDMA models -- despite the fact that a Qualcomm baseband could allow Apple to offer one model that services both types of radios, commonly known as a “world phone.”<br /><br />While trial production is expected to begin in August, mass production of the iPhone 5 isn’t expected until September, which is right about the time of Apple’s annual music-centric media event, which this year is expected to push the iPod out of the limelight and instead focus on the new iPhone.<br /><br />Of course, along with the new iPhone 5 will also come iOS 5, which developers are expected to get a sneak preview of at this year’s WWDC which kicks off June 6. Analyst Kuo also predicts a more “dramatic” hardware revision for a sixth-generation iPhone in the first half of 2012.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_says_qualcommpowered_iphone_5_mass_production_september#commentsNewsAnalystApple Inc.cameraiOS 5iphone 5productionQualcommRumorsseptemberiPhoneMon, 18 Apr 2011 13:33:59 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10679 at http://www.maclife.comAnalyst Claims HTC ThunderBolt Outselling Verizon iPhone 4http://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_claims_htc_thunderbolt_outselling_verizon_iphone_4
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/htc_thunderbolt_with_iphone_4_200px.jpg" alt="HTC ThunderBolt with iPhone 4" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It’s been relatively quiet on the Verizon iPhone 4 front regarding sales figures, but that isn’t stopping the analysts from chiming in with some thoughts of their own -- such as this one, claiming that Verizon’s fast new 4G HTC ThunderBolt is outselling the iPhone 4.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/31/htc-thunderbolt-outselling-iphone-4-at-verizon-wireless-stores-analyst-claims/" target="_blank">BGR is reporting</a> that the latest Android-based handset from HTC, the ThunderBolt, is not only matching but exceeding sales of the Verizon iPhone 4 at many stores. At least that’s the word from <a href="http://www.btigresearch.com/2011/03/31/htc-thunderbolt-outselling-iphone-in-28-of-polled-verizon-stores/" target="_blank">BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk</a>, who took it upon himself to conduct such checks.<br /><br />“Piecyk and his team made calls to 150 different Verizon Wireless stores across 22 major U.S. cities, asking which device was selling better,” BGR reports. “According to the analyst’s report, 61 percent of stores said the two devices were selling at about the same rate, 11 percent said the iPhone 4 was selling faster and 28 percent said they were selling more ThunderBolt smartphones than iPhones.”<br /><br />The HTC ThunderBolt is the latest Android-based smartphone to get some positive buzz in the tech world, primarily because it’s the first handset to tap into Verizon’s new 4G LTE network. The big-screen phone has recently been praised in many reviews, and given the faster data speed -- complete with mobile hotspot mode, meaning users can tap into it through their computers as well -- it’s no surprise that the handset would outsell the iPhone 4, at least at launch.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a><br />(Image courtesy of BGR)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/analyst_claims_htc_thunderbolt_outselling_verizon_iphone_4#commentsNewsAnalysthtciphone 4sales estimatesVerizon iPhoneVerizon WirelessiPhoneFri, 01 Apr 2011 12:09:21 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10515 at http://www.maclife.comJP Morgan Claims “Bubble Burst” Ahead for iPad 2 Rivalshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/jp_morgan_claims_%E2%80%9Cbubble_burst%E2%80%9D_ahead_ipad_2_rivals
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ipad2_smartcover_200px.jpg" alt="iPad 2 with Smart Cover" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />We’re still a couple of days from the release of Apple’s new iPad 2, but already analysts are speculating the refreshed tablet will be nothing but trouble for Cupertino’s rivals, who may go from playing catch-up to bursting the bubble on competition.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/09/jp_morgan_apples_ipad_2_could_cause_bubble_burst_for_rival_tablets.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that Apple’s competitors in the tablet space may be setting their build plans too high for the year, creating an “increasing risk of a bubble burst” in the second half of this year. The gloom and doom from Wall Street comes courtesy of J.P. Morgan Research analyst Mark Moskowitz, who warned investors early Wednesday of the shifting tide.<br /><br />"In our view, the technical and form factor improvements of the iPad 2 stand to make it tougher for the first generation of competitive offerings to play catch-up, meaning actual shipments could fall well short of plan," Moskowitz wrote in his note to investors.<br /><br />Moskowitz estimates that Apple’s competitors could build “approximately 65.1 million tablets in 2011,” a number that’s in sharp contrast with J.P. Morgan’s own estimates of only 47.9 million tablets being sold this year. Should the build numbers prove correct, manufacturers stand to sit on “as much as 51 percent oversupply in a worst case scenario.”</p><p>To no one’s surprise, Apple is expected to continue their dominance over the tablet market for 2011, with Moskowitz estimating that Cupertino could see “nearly 100 percent sales growth year over year, resulting in more than 29 million iPads sold worldwide” this year alone.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/jpmorgan-110309.jpg" alt="J.P. Morgan &quot;bubble burst&quot; chart" width="567" height="230" /></p><p>So who has the most to lose from the coming bubble burst? According to Moskowitz, it could be the component suppliers even more than the manufacturers themselves.<br /><br />"Based on our research inputs, tablet makers eager to emulate Apple’s meteoric start are trying to secure components with inflated build plans," Moskowitz warned. "Of note, glass displays, processors, and, to a lesser extent, NAND Flash are the components that could be most at risk."<br /><br />However, that doesn’t let the manufacturers off the hook, either. "Aside from Motorola’s Xoom and HP’s TouchPad (which does not have a price tag yet), the competitive offerings appear to be light on attraction, in our view," Moskowitz concludes.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a><br />(Chart courtesy of AppleInsider)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/jp_morgan_claims_%E2%80%9Cbubble_burst%E2%80%9D_ahead_ipad_2_rivals#commentsNewsAnalystanalystshp touchpadiPad 2motorola xoomtablet markettabletsiPadWed, 09 Mar 2011 14:30:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10191 at http://www.maclife.comMacBook Air Serves Up More Than One Million in First Quarterhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/macbook_air_serves_more_one_million_first_quarter
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbook_air_side_200px.png" alt="Side view of MacBook Air" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />While Apple hasn’t released figures of their own on the MacBook Air’s first quarter of availability, an analyst who has kept close watch on the new, diminutive notebook claims that the company has already shipped 1.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2010, another successful product launch for Cupertino.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that the new 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air models got off to a boffo start in the fourth quarter of last year with sales topping as much as 1.1 million units in their first three months of availability. According to Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new ultra-thin notebook could very well be “one of the company’s most successful Mac product launches ever.”<br /><br />Apple doesn’t break down its Mac sales by product family, citing “competitive reasons,” although the company did announce shipments of just over 2.9 million Mac notebooks in the fourth quarter of 2010. Assuming Kuo’s 1.1 million figure is correct, the MacBook Air took up 40 percent of the company’s notebook sales, and just over 25 percent of the entire Mac business.<br /><br />While the MacBook Air shipment numbers have since fallen to just under 700,000 units by Kuo’s estimates, the analyst figures that Apple is still on track for “a new Mac sales record” during the first quarter of this year, buoyed by strong sales of the recent MacBook Pro refresh.<br /><br />Kuo’s discussions with Apple suppliers “indicate the company’s build plans call for the manufacture of upwards of 4.5 million Mac systems during the three-month period ending March,” which means the Cupertino-based Mac maker is likely to stand out as the only PC vendor worldwide with “material growth on a quarter-to-quarter basis,” according to Kuo.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/macbook_air_serves_more_one_million_first_quarter#commentsNewsAnalystanalystsApple Inc.macbook airnotebooksales estimatessuppliersMacMon, 07 Mar 2011 14:14:16 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10158 at http://www.maclife.comReport Claims 512MB of RAM for iPad 2’s A5 CPUhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_claims_512mb_ram_ipad_2%E2%80%99s_a5_cpu
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_a5_processor_200px.jpg" alt="Apple A5 processor" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />There was a great deal of hand-wringing in the tech community after Wednesday’s iPad 2 announcement over just how much memory the refreshed tablet contains in its diminutive frame. While many are speculating, a semiconductor analyst out of Korea claims to know for sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/03/apples_a5_cpu_in_ipad_2_has_512mb_of_ram_same_as_iphone_4_report.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that the iPad 2’s A5 processor comes packing 512MB of memory, the same as the current iPhone 4 and double that of last year’s iPad. RAM has been a subject of some debate in tech circles, particularly after the iOS 4.2.1 update last fall which often made the first-gen iPad feel sluggish at times, such as during a heavy multitasking session.<br /><br />“Responding to a query about the amount of RAM in the iPad 2, <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&amp;prev=_t&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;layout=2&amp;eotf=1&amp;sl=ko&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fsemiconlee%2Fstatus%2F43258901331849216" target="_blank">analyst Kakeun Lee claimed on Twitter</a> that the new iPad will double the amount of RAM in last year's model,” AppleInsider reports. “<a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&amp;prev=_t&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;layout=2&amp;eotf=1&amp;sl=ko&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fsemiconlee%2Fstatus%2F43259486265294849" target="_blank">He also revealed</a> that the new A5 processor features LPDDR2 memory, which is a speed boost from the LPDDR1 RAM in the first-generation iPad.”<br /><br />If true, the iPad 2 will sweep into battle next Friday, March 11 against the likes of the Android 3.0 Honeycomb-powered Motorola XOOM, which boats a full 1GB of RAM. Be that as it may, early hands-on reports claim that the iPad 2 is quite the little speed demon, and even with memory-intensive tasks such as nine different live Photo Booth images displayed at once during yesterday’s demo, the iPad 2 managed to keep up without a problem.<br /><br />Apple isn’t saying how much RAM the iPad 2 will have, although you can bet that by next Friday evening we’ll know for sure after the device gets torn apart and its guts displayed for all to see.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of GSMArena.com)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_claims_512mb_ram_ipad_2%E2%80%99s_a5_cpu#commentsNewsAnalystiPad 2iPad 2 announcementmemoryprocessorTeardowniPadThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:05:51 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10114 at http://www.maclife.com26 Percent of All Apps Never Used More Than Oncehttp://www.maclife.com/article/iphone/26_percent_all_apps_never_used_more_once
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u286882/apps200.jpg" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />According to a recent study, over one quarter of all applications downloaded to smartphones are used once and then never touched again. This speaks volumes to the advice that moms have been giving their children for generations: You only get one chance at a first impression.</p><p>According to <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2011/01/31/mobile-app-usage/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Venturebeat+%28VentureBeat%29" target="_blank">VentureBeat</a>, the number crunchers at <a href="http://www.localytics.com/blog/post/first-impressions-matter-26-percent-of-apps-downloaded-used-just-once/" target="_blank">Localytics</a> have surmised that 26 percent of all mobile applications go untouched by their purchasers after initial use. The figure includes applications downloaded to all current <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/ios_game_time_gallery_games_making_big_waves" target="_self">iOS</a> devices, Blackberry and Android handsets, as well as to hardware running the relatively new Windows Phone 7 operating system. As a result of the study, both VentureBeat and Localytics conclude that in order for developers to realize long-term success, it might be best for them to pay less attention to the number of units they ship and focus on how how long and how often their customers are using their software. After all, ensuring that your customers are happy with what you have to offer is the best way to ensure they keep coming back for more.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Follow this article's author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SeamusBellamy" target="_blank">Seamus Bellamy on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/iphone/26_percent_all_apps_never_used_more_once#commentsAnalystdownloadsiOS appsiOS userswasteiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 01 Feb 2011 19:54:56 +0000Seamus Bellamy9777 at http://www.maclife.comMore iPad 2 Speculation: Better Display, Faster, Dual Camera, 5 Million for Q1http://www.maclife.com/article/news/more_ipad_2_speculation_better_display_faster_dual_camera_5_million_q1
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ipad_display_200px.jpg" alt="iPad display" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Guessing at what Apple will feature in the next iPad is keeping analysts busy as usual this time of year, with the leading speculation mostly being the same as before -- with the addition of an estimated five million units sold in the first quarter alone.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/30/report_details_ipad_2_components_5_million_unit_supply.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that yet another analyst has come forward with their thoughts on the iPad 2. This time it’s Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities, who is offering a full report on the subject focusing on a better display (but not a Retina Display), faster processor, separate CDMA and GSM versions, dual cameras and sales of up to five million in the first quarter the tablet refresh is available.<br /><br />First and foremost is the display, which has been the subject of some back and forth speculation in recent weeks. Initially, many analysts believed that Apple would somehow magically produce a Retina Display for the iPad 2 which is quadruple the resolution of the existing 1024x768 screen -- but Kuo and others have since thrown cold water on that idea.<br /><br />“The improvement of iPad 2 display focuses on thickness and anti-reflection, not resolution,” Kuo’s report reveals. “iPad 2 display module is 30-35 percent thinner than iPad and it’s helpful for better form factor. Thanks to anti-reflection, iPad 2 could have better sunlight readable experience and it’s helpful for Apple to compete with Amazon’s fast growing Kindle business.<br /><br />"The most important reason why iPad 2 won’t have retinal display is yield rate of panel making,” Kuo concludes. “At this point, making high resolution and bright IPS/FFS panel is not easy and the production volume and cost couldn’t meet Apple’s requirements."<br /><br />Most everyone agrees that the iPad 2 will be faster and pack more RAM, and Kuo concurs -- as well as the new tablet device featuring both a front and rear camera. Despite some speculation that Apple might consolidate both CDMA and GSM 3G antennas into the next iPad, Kuo believes that they will be separate models, especially since “more suppliers could reduce the risk of component shortage.”<br /><br />Last but not least, Kuo estimates that Apple will move “at least 4.5 to 5 million units” in the first quarter of availability, which be believes will be before March of this year or at the very latest, early in the second quarter which begins in April.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/more_ipad_2_speculation_better_display_faster_dual_camera_5_million_q1#commentsNewsAnalystCDMAdisplayGSMiPad 2resolutionsales estimatesiPadMon, 31 Jan 2011 14:12:32 +0000J.R. Bookwalter9757 at http://www.maclife.comiPad 2 Rumored to Gain Dual GSM-CDMA Radiohttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ipad_2_rumored_gain_dual_gsmcdma_radio
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ipad_screen_200px.jpg" alt="iPad screen" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />With Verizon Wireless offering the iPad coupled with their CDMA-flavored MiFi 2200, it’s not a surprise to hear rumors that the next generation of Apple’s tablet may come with a CDMA-compatible radio baked right in alongside GSM so 3G can be used anywhere in the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/11/19/apples_next_gen_ipad_rumored_with_world_mode_gsm_cdma_radio.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that the 3G model of Apple’s next iPad will up the ante by including both GSM as well as CDMA radios, making it a “world mode” device usable anywhere in the world. GSM is the standard used in the U.S. by AT&amp;T and T-Mobile and most everywhere in the world (particularly throughout Europe), while the older CDMA is primarily in this country, used by Verizon and Sprint.<br /><br />A “world mode” iPad would allow a Verizon or Sprint customer to use those companies’ CDMA network here in the U.S., but allow them to pop in a local SIM card for use on any GSM network while traveling overseas, or potentially even here in the U.S. in areas where AT&amp;T has broader coverage.<br /><br />The new rumor comes from Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair, who released a note to investors claiming “Apple is developing a new iPad with a Qualcomm multimode CDMA-GSM chip built in.” Such a move would negate the need for carriers such as Verizon to bundle a wireless hotspot device with the iPad.<br /><br />Blair’s other prognostications reveal that the next iPad “will be thinner and will have a forward-facing camera,” both of which are widely expected, particularly with Apple’s current push to get FaceTime on additional devices. After debuting on the iPhone 4 in June, the video chat technology moved to the fourth-generation iPod touch in September and was recently released as beta software for the Mac as well.<br /><br />"The new iPad is thinner than the existing model and is essentially made from one piece of metal with no pins needed," Blair wrote. "We understand it requires a new type of manufacturing process as a result, similar to the company's unibody approach seen in MacBooks."<br /><br />The analyst stopped short of predicting when we might see an updated model, although it’s widely expected in the spring, perhaps on the first anniversary of the original model.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ipad_2_rumored_gain_dual_gsmcdma_radio#commentsNewsAnalystCDMAGSMPredictionsQualcommRadioRumorsiPadFri, 19 Nov 2010 13:46:08 +0000J.R. Bookwalter8992 at http://www.maclife.comJP Morgan Raises Apple’s Q4 Revenue Estimates to $18.71 Billionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/jp_morgan_raises_apple%E2%80%99s_q4_revenue_estimates_1871_billion
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/jp_morgan_apple_estimates_380px.jpg" alt="J.P. Morgan Apple estimates" width="380" height="304" /><br /><em>(Image courtesy of AppleInsider)</em><br /><br />If it were up to J.P. Morgan, Apple would have a boffo end to 2010 -- and they’ve helped out by upping Cupertino’s revenue estimate for the fourth quarter to $18.71 billion as well as aiming for a $400 stock price by December of next year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/10/07/jp_morgan_apples_fourth_quarter_revenue_estimate_raised_to_18_71b.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that J.P. Morgan is certainly bullish on Apple following “strong sales momentum” for the iPad and iPhone, revising their revenue estimates for the device maker all the way to the end of the 2011 fiscal year. J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz reassured investors early Thursday, claiming that there is “plenty of growth” left for Apple and raising their fourth quarter revenue estimates from $18.13 billion to $18.71 billion.<br /><br />The analyst based the increase on “checks with primary research contacts” which reveal that the iPhone and iPad were still gaining momentum even as Apple closed their fourth quarter on September 30. J.P. Morgan is also giddy about Apple’s prospects for next year, claiming estimated revenue of $81.53 billion for Cupertino’s 2011 fiscal year -- another jump up from their previous estimate of $78.84 billion.<br /><br />All of this prognostication for 2011 doesn’t even factor in the rumors of the iPhone coming to Verizon Wireless, despite increasing rumors claiming that the device will finally arrive on the CDMA carrier next year. Moskowitz claims that such a move could bump Apple’s stock price by $2.00 in Incremental Earnings Per Share next year.<br /><br />The analyst also weighed in on the prospects for contenders to the iPad’s throne, claiming that the device’s “competitive prowess” will surpass even that of the iPhone. “We are skeptical, however, of the competition exhibiting a similar adoption curve as the iPad’s,” Moskowitz said. “In contrast to smartphones and the need for apps, we believe the content (movies and TV shows) is the key to tablet adoption, and here, Apple has the content.”<br /><br />And what about those rumblings that the iPad will cannibalize notebook and netbook sales? J.P. Morgan believes the iPad could actually help Mac sales: “We would not be surprised to see another ‘halo effect’ whereby iPad sales drive purchases of Macs as the central command center for content creation and sharing in a household,” Moskowitz notes, “and then the iPad offers the ultra-portable experience.”<br /><br />Apple’s quarterly earnings report will be published on Monday, October 18 at 5pm EST, 2pm PST.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><br /><br /><br /></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/jp_morgan_raises_apple%E2%80%99s_q4_revenue_estimates_1871_billion#commentsNewsAnalystApple Inc.quarterly resultsrevenueiPadiPhoneThu, 07 Oct 2010 13:13:47 +0000J.R. Bookwalter8493 at http://www.maclife.comNext Apple TV Update Just a Stepping Stone to Connected HDTV?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/next_apple_tv_update_just_stepping_stone_connected_hdtv
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_living_room_strategy_380px.jpg" alt="Apple HDTV strategy" width="380" height="267" /><br /><em>(Image courtesy of AppleInsider and Piper Jaffray)</em><br /><br />At least one analyst believes that the next Apple TV update is just paving the way for a bigger strategy from Apple that would lead to the release of an Internet-connected HDTV from Cupertino -- despite the fact that at least one executive has already dismissed the company having interest in that market.<br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/08/16/anticipated_apple_tv_update_seen_as_stepping_stone_for_connected_hdtv.html" target="_blank"><br />AppleInsider is reporting</a> that Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has chimed in Monday with a new note to investors, this time taking aim at Apple’s living room strategy. While many are anticipating the next Apple TV update will include limited storage, a much lower price and its own App Store, Munster is going further by forecasting that in the next two to four years, Apple will release their own Internet-connected HDTV.<br /><br />Although Apple has continually referred to the Apple TV as a “hobby,” the company has continued to invest in its living room strategy, despite the challenge of breaking into a market where consumers are used to receiving a cable box for free (or cheap). Apple CEO Steve Jobs himself may have given a clue as to what the future might hold.<br /><br />"The only way that's ever going to change," Jobs said, "is if you can really go back to square one, tear up the set top box, redesign it from scratch with a consistent UI across all these different functions, and get it to consumers in a way that they're willing to pay for it. And right now there's no way to do that."<br /><br />Given Cupertino’s current cloud-based strategy -- complete with a new, soon-to-be-launched data center in North Carolina -- analyst Munster believes that a cloud-based iTunes is all but a certainty, and that Apple’s dominance of the mobile market will ultimately given them incentive to dominate the living room as well.<br /><br />An Apple Internet-connected HDTV would only be one part of the strategy, with the other being an “iTunes TV pass” for $50 to $90 per month in addition to a TV-based App Store which would offer games and services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus for the TV, much in the same way the company now does for portable devices.<br /><br />"Apple's ability to deliver hardware, software and content that could replace an entire entertainment system with a single TV, puts Apple in a unique position for the emerging connected TV cycle," Munster concludes. "Apple already has several of the key ingredients for success in the connected TV market, many of which would differentiate Apple from current market players."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank"><br /></a></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/next_apple_tv_update_just_stepping_stone_connected_hdtv#commentsNewsAnalystApple Inc.Apple TVhdtvInternetiPodMon, 16 Aug 2010 12:58:45 +0000J.R. Bookwalter7943 at http://www.maclife.comiPhone 4 Remains Elusive at Apple’s Retail Storeshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_4_remains_elusive_apple%E2%80%99s_retail_stores
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iPhone_4_coming_soon_380px.jpg" alt="iPhone 4 coming soon" width="380" height="189" /><br /><br />Still trying to grab an iPhone 4, seven weeks after it was first launched? You may not be alone, if recent stock inquiries into Apple retail locations are any indication -- the popular handset is still sold out at nearly half of their stores. So much for “Antennagate”…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/08/12/iphone_4_remains_sold_out_at_half_of_apple_us_retail_stores.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that analyst Gene Munster has done a bit of detective work at Apple retail stores this week in an effort to check availability of the iPhone 4 in the wake of the “Antennagate” scandal. Out of 30 stores polled by the analyst, only 16 of them had stock, although they all indicated that they were receiving daily shipments in an effort for supply to meet up with demand.<br /><br />Having a nearly 50-50 shot at an iPhone 4 is an improvement, though: Prior to July 10, there was absolutely no in-store availability, with 0 out of 20 stores in stock. By July 26, Munster polled five stores and discovered that three of them had the iPhone 4 available.<br /><br />"We had expected near full in-store availability in the U.S. by now, given it has been several weeks since the iPhone 4 U.S. launch (June 24)," Munster wrote. "Longer than expected supply shortages are not new to the iPhone. As a point of reference, in last year's September quarter conference call, the company indicated that iPhone supply was constrained in most countries through late September or early October due to better than expected demand of iPhone 3GS."<br /><br />The analyst believes that the “continued limited supply” is a good indication that Apple’s “Antennagate” controversy has failed to take a dent out of iPhone 4 sales, given that supply constraints are not a sign of a production slowdown.<br /><br />As you’ll recall, almost as soon as the iPhone 4 hit the streets on June 24, users began noticing a signal attenuation drop when the handset was held a certain way, which was infamously dubbed the “death grip.” Apple mostly blew off the complaints at first, suggesting that users were holding the device wrong and that a Bumper or case eliminates the non-issue. Continued media coverage of the “problem” led Apple to announce it was giving free cases to all iPhone 4 buyers, and the situation has been largely quiet ever since.<br /><br />Despite the controversy, the iPhone 4 is Apple’s fastest-selling product in history, racking up a record 3.7 million units sold in the first three days. Munster believes that number will hit 11 million units sold worldwide in the September quarter.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank"><br /></a></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_4_remains_elusive_apple%E2%80%99s_retail_stores#commentsNewsAnalystApple Storesiphoneiphone 4sales estimatesiPhoneThu, 12 Aug 2010 13:04:48 +0000J.R. Bookwalter7913 at http://www.maclife.com